Blog

Training and Physical Preparation for climbing Kilimanjaro.

Let’s begin by saying that “climbing Kilimanjaro” is a tiny bit of a misnomer; it’s a trek, a hike, a stroll even, albeit one that takes you to tremendous altitude.

The people who reach the top take their time and find their rhythm. The people who run and rush, determined to get there first are most often than not the ones who fail. The mountain has proven this time and time again. Our youngest client was 10 and our eldest was 85, both successfully reached the top, relax into your rhythm and you will too.

Remember that Kilimanjaro is essentially a beautiful, slow uphill walk of around 50 miles covered in 6 -7 days and if you like you could set that as goal for yourself: Cover 50 miles of hiking in the hills and moorlands in a total accumulated time of 7 days.

Begin by making a list and calender of places and days you can go out walking.A few local park walks and some areas in the wilderness: hills, mountains, forest and moorlands are ideal locations. You can try researching and reading about the national parks, and hiking routes in your area.Try to find places with varying terrain. Aim to be walking for around 2 to 5 hours, and take a long a small daysack carrying at least 3 litres of water, alongside light clothing, and a camera to simulate what you’ll be carrying on your trek up Kilimanjaro.The sooner you begin this, the better: we recommend begin training at least 3 months before you trek is due to begin. Remember, if your new to this kind of thing, start out slowly and build up to more.GOALS: Prepare yourself for walking and being on your feet. Strengthen your muscles and improve your aerobic energy systems.

Gym Training

The value of getting out onto the hills and walking cannot be stressed enough. Of course isn’t always possible, especially if you’d like to fit a quick hour of Kilimanjaro training in before or after work. For this the gym is often perfect and convenient.Besides the treadmills, Stairmasters and Bicycles that normal often programs with varying resistance designed to “mimic” hill training, another optional you might consider are organised Circuit Training sessions that give you a great cardiovascular workout through resistance training with lightweights, push-ups and bodyweight. Helping to you build muscle, strengthen your lungs and lose weight.

Preparing your boots

Your footwear is very important. What’s particularly important is that when you start out on your climb up Kilimanjaro, you want to be walking in a pair of comfortable, broken in familiar boots. Not a brand new pair. Worn in boots will protect your feet and you won’t get pain or blisters, which you will if you are wearing brand new boots.Wearing in your boots is essential!
Once you’ve bought your boots, begin walking in them around the house and gradually begin to add more distance. Maybe to the shops and around the park or local neighbourhood.As they start to adapt and mould to your feet, you’ll be more comfortable in them and then you should begin taking them on longer walks, to the hills and mountains. Ideally, you should also begin wearing your boots in around three to four months before you trek begins.

Hiking at Altitude

Always remember to maintain a slow, steady pace from beginning to end. Going slowly allows the body to acclimatize while hiking. Those who start out too quickly will have troubles higher up the mountain as the body will be over-exerted. This still holds true if you are spending and extra day on the mountain.

The power of controlled, deep breathing is essentially and shouldn’t be underestimated. Always focus on your breathing and make sure you are deeply and regularly. You want to keep your body oxygenated. It’s often advised that you begin the first few days breathing through your nose as this helps bring your attention to your breath and your rate and depth of breathing.